The world soon began to twist and change after that minute of unorthodox silence. It was becoming difficult to stay grounded.

Then suddenly, without much hesitation, the colors of wilderness burst foreword with vigor against the rays of the setting sun. I was enveloped in an illusion, or maybe it was the truth, of vision. I had achieved the poison again.

Skies began to twist against the rustling trees-- swirling and mixing like glittered paint in a Styrofoam cup of water, and everything around me was inhaled deeply into my lungs. I could feel freedom seeping through my veins.

The sun was setting, dipping below the line of trees and illuminating the world in violet, orange, and red. Reflecting off the placid lake, the burning sun appeared whole and powerful-- I stared stunned.

It didn't take much to pick up the rough sent of humid air, to spot the foreboding clouds creep in from behind us and blend itself craftfully into the soft hues of the sun's side. Lightening was spotted slashing through dark blues and greys, and teasing the setting sun into hiding. A storm was coming quick this way.

Five minutes in and we were covered with a thick layer of cloud-- across the lake the painting of heaven still burned strong in orange hues, and as I lay still on the rotting picnic table, I watched it slip away through the dying birch trees framing its image.

Everything seemed alright then. Through the cover of the tall birch trees I felt the first drop of warmed rain, or perhaps my body had made it that way, touch down on my skin. A minute more and I was soaked, watching it creep closer and closer to the other side. The grass was no longer greener, but now drenched in wet deserted greys.

We hid inside and played "War". I cheated and lost unintentionally while the cards' faces jumped from their cardboard plaques and danced in vibrating frames.

It was nothing as fascinating as rain, or wind, or the trees stretching up; trying to escape the earth. Everything outside was ready to live, and here these cards were ink images dancing because I was fucked up on drugs.

At least when I was outside feeling each drop touch my body gently cleansing my soul, I knew that I saw life switch and sway the way it was meant to be seen. Free.

I lost a game of war.

[ Before -- After ]